Media

FXNow Streaming iOS App Launches Ahead of 'Simpsons' Release

FX Networks has started the platform roll-out of FXNow, its new TV Everywhere service. FXNow is FX Networks' new HBO Go-like streaming service that allows cable subscribers to access a wealth of FX, FXX and FXM content from anywhere.

Right now, the app features episodes of original FX and FXX TV shows such as American Horror Story, Justified and Archer, as well as shows syndicated on various FX Networks, including How I Met Your Mother and Parks and Recreation. The app also includes access to films such as Moneyball, Avatar, The Other Guys and Step Brothers.

FXNow is currently available for iOS, Xbox One, Windows 8 and on the web. FXNow planning on launching additional apps for Android, Xbox 360, Roku and Samsung platforms in the spring.

As with HBO Go and other TV Everywhere apps, you need to subscribe to cable to access FXNow. Currently, the service has agreements with AT&T U-verse, Optimum TV, Comcast, Suddenlink and WOW!. Other providers are slated to join the FXNow fray in 2015.

Image: FXNow; Screenshot by Christina Warren, Mashable

Normally the launch of TV Everywhere availability for a cable network might not be a big deal — after all, all major TV networks and many of the largest cable networks have some sort of online or mobile viewing solution. What makes FXNow special isn't what content is available today, but what content will be available in the future.

The company is rolling out the apps now — presumably to help work out any major bugs or kinks — before launching its crown jewel later this year: Exclusive, non-linear streaming access to The Simpsons.

FXNow Becomes a Player in the Streaming Wars

Beginning in August, all 530+ episodes of The Simpsons will finally be available to stream via the web. (Legally, that is.)

The streaming deal was first announced back in November, and it's a big coup for FXNow.

The Simpsons is the longest-running comedy show in television history — and one of the greatest TV shows of all time. As such, it's hard to underestimate the power and potential of this deal.

Not only is it a huge win for FX Networks and FXNow, but also for pay-TV providers in general because the only way users can access a huge on-demand library of streaming Simpsons episodes will be to subscribe to cable. It's a blow to pure over-the-top streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime and underscores why it is so important that those services invest in original programming.

In addition to FXNow, The Simpsons will also be airing on the FXX cable network. Even though The Simpsons has been in local syndication since 1993, this is the first time the show will appear on cable.

Lest you think FX Networks and FXNow are getting access to our favorite cartoon family because they share the same parent company as Simpsons broadcaster Fox, think again. Reports are that multiple cable networks bid on this package — including Turner. The off-network and VOD syndication deal for The Simpsons is valued at more than $750 million, making it one of the biggest in history.

All seasons of The Simpsons not currently airing on a regular broadcast will be available on FXNow. That means that once season 26 debuts in September, season 25 will be available.

Following HBO Go's Footsteps

As a property, The Simpsons has enormous potential to lure in users of an app, thanks to the evergreen nature of the family that lives at 742 Evergreen Terrace, in addition to the pure size of the show's library. It's a testament to Matt Groening, Al Jean and Jim Brooks that the show can continue to command so much money a quarter of a century after its primetime debut.

It also shows that the team at FX has carefully followed the playbook HBO used to execute the launch and expansion of its phenomenally successful HBO Go service. When HBO Go launched in 2011, one of its main draws was that it offered access to a huge swath of HBO content. Every episode of The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Oz, True Blood, The Wire and Six Feet Under is at your fingertips.

Beyond that, however, what made HBO Go a real winner was that it provided access to HBO's new crop of hit shows, including Game of Thrones (which also launched in 2011), Girls and Boardwalk Empire.

FX and FXX are starting to cultivate some terrific original programming. If FXNow can cultivate a good blend of syndicated classics and access to original, current programming, the service has the potential to gain a lot of traction.

Mashable
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